The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing has announced the appointment of Dana Burns, D.N.P., FNP-BC, BC-ADM, as director of faculty practice initiatives, effective July 1. A seasoned clinical professor and practicing Family Nurse Practitioner, Burns brings a background in community engagement, research, and academic innovation to the role.

As a current participant in the school’s Faculty Practice Plan—an academic-practice partnership with MCV Physicians launched in 2021—Burns provides care at VCU Health while enriching student learning through precepting and mentoring in real-world clinical settings. Her work in this model of academic-practice collaboration uniquely positions her to lead in this expanded capacity.

In her new position, Burns will lead and expand the school’s community-based clinical practice initiatives through the Faculty Practice and Mobile Health and Wellness Program. She will also focus on developing strategic partnerships with healthcare organizations and community partners while ensuring operational excellence and aligning all efforts with VCU’s mission of practice, education, and scholarship.

“Dr. Burns exemplifies the mission and spirit of the school through her commitment to clinical practice, her deep engagement with students, and her innovative research in clinical settings,” said Patricia Kinser, Ph.D., dean of the VCU School of Nursing. “As an educator, she brings energy, empathy, and excellence to every classroom and clinical experience. We are proud to have her stepping into this crucial role.”

The director of faculty practice initiatives is a new leadership role that connects what students learn in the classroom with real-world health care delivery. Burns will collaborate closely with Lana Sargent, Ph.D., RN, FNP-C, GNP-BC, the school’s associate dean for practice and community engagement, and other academic and clinical leaders to foster new opportunities in nursing practice research and interprofessional collaboration.

Faculty practice is a power tool for our academic faculty to be actively engaged with our community and healthcare system by providing direct patient care in various clinical settings and promoting positive organizational change on a healthcare systems level.

Dana Burns

“Dr. Burns is an exceptional educator and clinician whose work in our faculty practice has not only enriched student learning in the clinical settings but also advanced scholarship that directly impacts patient care and provider well-being,” said Sargent.

A passionate educator in the school’s graduate Family Nurse Practitioner program, Burns is known for creating dynamic, student-centered learning environments. Her scholarly interests lie in resilience and mindfulness in clinical and academic settings, with ongoing research examining the impact of mindfulness practices on student success, clinician well-being, and patient outcomes. Her work is grounded in Caring Science theory, enhancing both her research and her approach to nursing practice. In her clinical role with the VCUHS Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Burns manages a dedicated teaching clinic that delivers high-quality, guideline-based care to patients with diabetes and metabolic disorders through the NP–Pharm.D. Comprehensive Diabetes Management Clinic, using a team-based, interprofessional care model.

“Faculty practice is a power tool for our academic faculty to be actively engaged with our community and healthcare system by providing direct patient care in various clinical settings and promoting positive organizational change on a healthcare systems level,” said Burns. “The VCU School of Nursing promotes innovative and strategic educational models that build impactful real-life learning experiences for our students, and this is an integral key to our success in creating the next generation of nurses who will be successful in our complex healthcare system."